What makes a 78/79 930 more desirable than other years?

3.3 has more power and much better braking.

 

It's the '76 and '77 930 models that have the 3.0L and are more desirable. This is due to several factors. They are lighter, the 3L spins up faster (more entertaining for some), the motor is placed further forward than later cars (better handling), better looking tail, low production numbers, and the first Turbo's in the US.

 

The 3.0 and early 3.3 930’s were both significant achievements for Porsche. I will try to touch on the differences by using the US cars. Some of this will apply to the RoW cars as well.
The 1978 and 1979 US models belong to are what most consider the Early 3.3 930 Type.
When Porsche introduced the ’78 the only major outward change involved the addition of the “tea tray” spoiler in replacement of the former “whale tail” Although not visible from the outside, the rear vent windows also became fixed but other than the new engine (not visible) that is the only outward change between a ’78 and a ’77 930. Nothing forward was changed.
Besides having the 1st ever intercooled production engine, the early 3.3 930’s included new additions and continuations that many consider a plus that were not found on the later cars;
• The ’78 and ’79 included the RSR/917 style floating rotor brakes.
• The engine had the large “euro” fuel head for future engine upgrades
• They were hand built with welded outer fender wings
• They did not have a catalytic converter.
• They are heaver than the 3.0’s but lighter than the later 3’3’s.

 

And they also have the 930 vin #

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The 3.0's and early 3.3's are virtually indistinguishable from each other, sans tail.

1977/1979
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How about 78-79 when compared to 86 to 89 (other then the G50 in 1989)... ??

 

Brakes.

 

Oops, I was hoping to show the minor visual difference between the 2. Sorry, forgot cross-drilled rotors can be seen on the later 930's.

As a point of reference to 375+'s post above, cross-drilled floating rotors, only on the '78-'80 930's. Developed from the 917 and RSR.

Also, no Cats, larger fuel head, less electronic motors and gizmos (less weight), and a body built with the highest skills of Teutonic Artisans (full leather and hand-welded and worked front and rear wings).